Abstract

Communication channels selected by members of an organization can have an impact on the outcome of the messages sent. The media richness theory proposes that task performance can be optimized when task information is matched with the medium's ability to convey information richness. The current study surveyed 25 support staff within the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences at Rochester Institute of Technology to evaluate the best media fit between task and medium for sending equivocal (ambiguous) and unequivocal (clear and concise) messages. The findings supported the media richness theory, and employees report positive attitudes associated with media use.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Communication in organizations; Information behavior; Human information processing; Ambiguity; Organizational behavior; Communication--Research

Publication Date

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Communication and Media Technologies (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Department of Communication (CLA)

Advisor

Susan B. Barnes

Advisor/Committee Member

Rudy Pugliese

Advisor/Committee Member

Zerbe Sodervick

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at HD30.3 .M47 2006

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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